Suicide Prevention
Magnitude of the problem
Suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for all ages. Every year, nearly one million people die from suicide.
Risk Factors
Mental illness, primarily depression and alcohol use disorders, abuse, violence, loss, cultural and social background, represent major risk factors for suicide.
Prevention
Restriction of access to means of suicide, such as toxic substances and firearms, identification and management of persons suffering from mental and substance use disorders, improved access to health and social services, and responsible reporting of suicide by the media are effective strategies for the prevention of suicide.
Here are some common myths and facts about mental health.
- Myth: There’s No Hope For People With Mental Illnesses.
- Fact: There Are More Treatments, Strategies, And Community Supports Than Ever Before, And Even More Are On The Horizon. People With Mental Illnesses Lead Active, Productive Lives.
- Myth: I Can’t Do Anything For Someone With Mental Health Needs.
- Fact: You Can Do A Lot, Starting With The Way You Act And How You Speak. You Can Nurture An Environment That Builds On People’s Strengths And Promotes Good Mental Health. For Example:
Avoid Labelling People With Words Like “Crazy”, “Mad”.
Learn The Facts About Mental Health And Share Them With Others, Especially If You Hear Something That Is Untrue.
Treat People With Mental Illnesses With Respect And Dignity, As You Would Anybody Else.
Respect The Rights Of People With Mental Illnesses And Don’t Discriminate Against Them When It Comes To Housing, Employment, Or Education. Like Other People With Disabilities, People With Mental Health Needs Are Protected Under Mental Health Rights.
- Myth: People With Mental Illnesses Are Violent And Unpredictable.
- Fact: In Reality, The Vast Majority Of People Who Have Mental Health Needs Are No More Violent Than Anyone Else. You Probably Know Someone With A Mental Illness And Don’t Even Realize It.
- Myth: Mental Illnesses Cannot Affect Me.
- Fact: Mental Illnesses Are Surprisingly Common; They Affect Almost Every Family In America. Mental Illnesses Do Not Discriminate-They Can Affect Anyone.
- Myth: Mental Illness Is The Same As Mental Retardation.
- Fact: The Two Are Distinct Disorders. A Mental Retardation Diagnosis Is Characterized By Limitations In Intellectual Functioning And Difficulties With Certain Daily Living Skills. In Contrast, People With Mental Illnesses-Health Conditions That Cause Changes In A Person’s Thinking, Mood, And Behavior-Have Varied Intellectual Functioning, Just Like The General Population.